MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A once-prominent name in the world of marching music is making a long-awaited return. The Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps, originally founded in Hutchinson in 1955 and absent since the mid-1990s, is back and ready to perform.
Led by longtime director and alumnus Dale Antoine, the corps is entering its second season since being revived by a group of passionate alumni in 2022. After decades of silence, the Sky Ryders are rebuilding with enthusiasm, community support, and a clear vision of returning to national prominence.
“This is our second year, but we’re calling it a rebirth,” said Antoine. “The corps was a staple here in Hutch until 1989 before it moved to Texas for a short time, and by 1994 it was gone. Now, after nearly three decades, we’re back.”
This summer, the Sky Ryders boast a roster of 78 performers, ranging in age from 14 to 21. The corps includes 28 percussionists, 36 brass and wind players, 12 color guard members, and one drum major. “We’ve got kids from all over — Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma — and they’re committed and talented,” Antoine added. “It’s a young corps, with an average age of 17, which is exactly where you want to be when you’re rebuilding.”
Though the corps couldn’t secure a competitive show in Hutchinson this season due to Drum Corps International’s tour routing, they will participate in a three-show tour in early July.
Before departing on tour, the public is invited to a free dress rehearsal performance at Gowans Stadium on Monday, July 7. Gates open at 7 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring water and enjoy a first look at this year’s show. “It’s going to be a simple run-through — no frills, just raw performance,” said Antoine. “But we want the community to see the result of the kids’ hard work before we hit the road.”
The Sky Ryders will perform in Ankeny, Iowa July 9, Dubuque, Iowa July 11 and Lisle, Illinois July 12.
In addition, the Sky Ryders will march in the 35th Annual Patriots Parade on July 4 in Hutchinson, marking the first time in years that the parade will feature a live marching musical group.
The comeback has been made possible through strong community support. Hutchinson Community Foundation has provided key grants, and Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College have offered facilities and housing for the corps’ rehearsals. “We’ve also had support from the local business community and even the Kansas National Guard Armory,” Antoine said. “The welcome has been amazing.”
Still, keeping a drum corps running isn’t cheap. Uniforms, instruments, transportation, and housing add up quickly. “We’ve just received new uniforms,” Antoine noted, “and if anyone out there has alteration skills, we could use the help!”
Those interested in supporting the corps — either financially or with in-kind services — can visit www.skyryderspaf.org, the official website of the Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation. Donations go toward equipment, travel, and member needs.
The long-term goal? A return to Drum Corps International’s World Class division. “Back in the 1980s, we placed as high as ninth in the country,” said Anton. “That’s the dream again. But we’re taking it one step at a time. We’re building the foundation the right way.”
For now, the Sky Ryders are focused on the present — giving young musicians the experience of a lifetime, honoring their legacy, and proudly representing Hutchinson on the national stage once more.
For more information or to donate, visit www.skyryderspaf.org